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University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs Bellevue University: which has better ROI?

Public, Lincoln NE · vs · Private nonprofit, Bellevue NE

The verdict

Bellevue University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $70,200 in 5.4 years versus 8.3 years at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, on median earnings of $61,289 vs $56,887 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnBellevue University
Net price / yr$17,747$17,550
Total net cost$70,988$70,200
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,887$61,289
Median debt$21,000$20,000
Payback8.3 yrs5.4 yrs
20-year net return$99,552$188,380

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Bellevue University?

Bellevue University, at $17,550 a year after aid versus $17,747 — a gap of $197 a year, or $788 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Bellevue University graduates earn more?

Bellevue University graduates report a median $61,289 ten years after entry, $4,402 more than the $56,887 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Bellevue University?

Bellevue University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $21,000 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, against 33% at Bellevue University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs Bellevue University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Bellevue University a better value?
Bellevue University. It clears its $70,200 net cost in about 5.4 years versus 8.3 years at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, on median earnings of $61,289 vs $56,887 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Bellevue University?
Bellevue University: $17,550/yr net price after aid versus $17,747/yr at University of Nebraska-Lincoln — a difference of $197 a year, or about $788 over four years.
Do University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Bellevue University graduates earn more?
Bellevue University graduates earn a median $61,289 ten years after entry, versus $56,887 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln — a $4,402 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.